Adoption Specialist

The Adoption Placement Specialist facilitates all requirements of the agency’s Adoptions and Placement program by providing oversight, training, assistance, home studies, supervision, referrals, and case specific interventions on behalf of children with the goal of building healthy and stable families through adoption; supports adoption outcomes for children in foster care and residential programs; provides post adoption assistance by rendering follow-up services to children and their adoptive families.

To be successful an Adoption Placement Specialist, must be able to do the following:

• Assess children and families by providing training, casework, and support to ensure services are completed for the prospective child and family; place children for adoption and provide follow-up services and supervision to the adoptive family after placement; participate in the agency’s adoptive home recruitment program.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in the recruitment and development of families to take on children by providing initial orientation and ongoing training to prospective and current foster and adoptive parents.
• Formulate case plans, write case reports, complete required legal documentation, and maintain case records within agency and DHS time frames and requirements; perform associated office work, such as compiling statistics, preparing reports, maintaining files, and copying as necessary.
• Represent the agency in court, accurately testify to the progress of cases; attend all required hearings and meetings pursuant to cases, clients, children, and families; make assessments and recommendations based on the best interest of the client.
• Operate within the guidelines of the Employee Handbook, program’s Operations Manual, and DHS Policies and Procedures.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a human behavioral science such as Social Work or related discipline where 25% of the course credits earned town the degree are in human behavioral sciences with one (1) to three (3) years’ experience in a social services agency required;
• Masters of Social Work (MSW) with experience working in an adoptions program preferred.
• Child Welfare Training Institute (CWTI) training strongly preferred .

The Knowledge of:

• Computer and software applications (Windows, MS Office, Internet applications, SWISS, JJOLT, Extended Reach, etc.).
• Principles and practices of social work, including the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Michigan Department of Human Services policies and procedures.
• Family and child dynamics.

The Skills and Ability to:

• Effectively engage children and adults
• Manage time and multiple priorities, meet deadlines.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, foster parents and adoptive families, and the public.
• Exercise professional judgment in making decisions.
• Appropriately handle sensitive and confidential situations and documentation.
• Attend training and maintain necessary certifications and licenses.
• Maintain a Michigan driver’s license and driving record that allows the operation of an agency or personal vehicle for agency business or to transport clients as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V